With an increased role, more mistakes are bound to happen. Playing the most prominent role of his NBA career, Ryan Rollins' uptick in turnovers wasn't surprising. However, lately, things have gone off the rails for the Milwaukee Bucks' breakout guard. Over the last month and change, Rollins' turnover problems have plagued this Milwaukee offense.
Turnover troubles are certainly holding back Ryan Rollins
Since February 1, Rollins has accumulated 63 turnovers. That is tied for second in the entire league in this span. Not on the Milwaukee Bucks. In the entire league. After tallying just 18 turnovers in January, the guard has suddenly spiraled out of control. Obviously, those types of consistent giveaways have continued to hurt this team as its playoff hopes slip.
A significant reason for the uptick in turnovers has been the absences of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Porter Jr. With both players missing time over the past month, Rollins has been forced to take on more ball-handling responsibility, which he has struggled with. Rollins plays his best basketball typically when he is more of an off-the-ball threat.
Milwaukee's latest loss, a tough defeat to the Phoenix Suns, captured the whole picture. Rollins tallied five turnovers in the contest. Three erratic drives led to the guard losing control and giving the ball up, a poor pass to Giannis Antetokounmpo gave the Suns an opportunity, and a traveling call gifted them another chance to capitalize on Milwaukee's mistakes. These are all happening far too often.
Ryan Rollins can learn from these mistakes
In no way, shape, or form is Ryan Rollins a finished product. This is the first legitimate opportunity of his NBA career, and he's still just 23. It's not shocking that he's had turnover troubles, especially with other key ball-handlers missing time. One can only hope that the guard can learn from this stretch of games and grow from it. Rivers is rightfully letting him play through it.
Rollins could be returning to his typical role soon. On Milwaukee's latest injury report, Kevin Porter Jr. is listed as questionable, while Giannis Antetokounmpo is good to go for Thursday's meeting with the Miami Heat. If all three suit up, there's a good chance Rollins' off-ball capabilities kick in and help him cut back on the turnovers.
There is no reason to give up hope for Ryan Rollins. These types of slumps happen, especially for a young player on the rise. The important thing is overcoming it.
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